Hunters check 11,967 deer in alternative-methods hunt

The decrease in alternative-methods harvest is similar to those of the November and antlerless portions of firearms deer season.

Staff Reports

Hunters checked 11,967 deer during the alternative-methods portion of Missouri’s firearms deer season Dec. 21 through 31. That figure is 20 percent fewer than in 2012.

Top counties for the alternative-methods portion were Oregon, with 437 deer checked, Howell with 360, and Shannon with 298.

Resource Scientist Emily Flinn with the Missouri Department of Conservation said the decrease was expected.

“The decrease in alternative-methods harvest is close to the declines in this years’ November and antlerless portions,” said Flinn. “The decrease in this year’s total harvest statewide is primarily a result of a reduction in deer numbers that resulted from continued doe harvest, last year’s widespread outbreak of hemorrhagic diseases, and record-low acorn production.”

Flinn said reduced deer numbers will be one factor considered by the Conservation Department’s Regulations Committee when developing recommendations for 2014 deer-hunting regulations.

“We continually consider regulation changes, including reducing the availability of antlerless permits and the antlerless portion of firearms deer season in places where regulation changes are necessary to allow the population to recover,” said Flinn.

The alternative methods portion replaced the muzzleloader portion of firearms deer season in 2012. Hunters are allowed to use muzzle-loading firearms, center-fire pistols, air-powered guns, bows, crossbows, or atlatls during the alternative-methods hunt.

The only remaining portion of firearms deer season is the late youth portion Jan. 4 and 5. Archery deer season runs through Jan. 15.